Question:
Where and how often do you give yourself B-12 shots?

I just got my prescription filled today for B-12 shots. My PCP gave it to me since my surgeon refused. (Another story.) She had a nurse show me and my husband how to do the injections. The nurse said to do 1000 ml in the arm. I would like to know how others of you who give yourself injections do yours. How much? How often and where? Someone else told me the best place is in the butt, as it absorbs better. I am afraid of my husband giving me a shot in the hip (met someone once who got an intramuscular shot in the wrong place and had nerve damage) so I am curious about the butt...literally lower on a cheek? Anyone do thighs? Thanks!    — Lisa I. (posted on April 29, 2003)

April 28, 2003
My hubby gives me my shots in the arm. I take 1cc/ml once per month. My doc said not to give it in the hip because it has to be an intramuscular (therefore cannot be given lower on the cheek) and there is too much chance of getting next to the sciatic nerve when someone else is giving it. (I personally had that happen with a Depo Provera shot and it hurts really bad if it gets close to a nerve). I'm post op 7 mo. and doing well with this regimen. Hope this helps.
   — Robin V.

April 28, 2003
Hi Lisa! I get a B12 once a month at my primary care doctors office. The nurse gives it to me in my left arm underneath in the fat area that is hanging loose.
   — POOBEAR

April 28, 2003
Monthly...upper fatty area of the hip.
   — Oldsoul

April 28, 2003
I take mine once a month in the upper thigh. That's how the surgeon's office showed me to do it. No problems.
   — Angie M.

April 29, 2003
I give myself 1cc in the thigh each month... so far, no problems. You mentioned 1000 ml which seems incredibly high. Typo, I hope?
   — Diane M.

April 29, 2003
I use top of thigh & arms. 1 ML per week. (there are other issues besides WLS)
   — vitalady

April 30, 2003
The 'butt' and 'hip' sites are intramuscular sites....subq sites include areas where you can 'pinch up' skin, like the backs of the upper arm (NOT in the muscle, but in the sort of flabby part), abdomen, thigh where you pinch up skin (again, not in the muscle), even the back is used sometimes. Incidentally, if you were to give a shot in the 'butt' you would aim higher on the cheek, and more towards the hip, to avoid sciatic damage. Just FYI. :)
   — Kimberley E.